Baptism is derived from the Greek word ‘baptisma’. This word simply means to be immersed or submersed.
Baptism is an important aspect of the Christian faith because of this statement from Jesus in John 3:5-6.
'Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.' John 3: 5–6
Baptism gains its significance and reverence because Jesus said that it is a requirement to enter Heaven. When Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist, He did it to fulfil all righteousness. As Christians, we want to follow the ways of Jesus. Jesus makes a bold and firm statement that baptism is required to enter the Kingdom of God should only instil a desire to fulfil Jesus’ command.
On the other hand, this statement from Jesus brings a logical yet controversial question of what happens to those believers who don’t have the chance or the time to get baptised? I could only answer this by the one and only example in the Bible: the thief on the cross with Jesus.
Jesus said that the thief would be in Heaven even though he did not get baptised. Therefore, the answer is simply: Yes, if you don’t have the opportunity or the time to get baptised, you will go to Heaven because you believed in Jesus.
Coming back to the topic of baptism, we often just talk about water baptism. However, there are three important baptisms mentioned in the Bible that are crucial in the life of a believer. These baptisms are often overlooked but essential for spiritual growth.
The three baptisms are:
Baptism in Jesus
Baptism in water
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Baptism in Jesus
Holy Spirit Baptises a Believer into Jesus
'For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. ' 1 Corinthians 12: 13
The primary work of the Holy Spirit is to lead people to salvation. The Bible says that without the Holy Spirit it is impossible for anyone to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sins and leads them to repentance.
'Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; ' John 16: 7-9
The moment a person gives their life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit baptises them into Jesus. It is at that moment that the person receives what the Bible calls, ‘the Seal of the Holy Spirit’. In that moment, we are joined with Christ and are part of the family of God. The best analogy to the baptism in Jesus is Marriage.
Baptism in water
Public declaration of salvation to identify with Jesus
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. Matthew 3:13-15
The Baptism in water is nothing more than a public deceleration and proclamation of the baptism of Jesus. Water baptism is ideally supposed to be the evidence of the salvation of the heart. If someone truly commits their life to Jesus, they also submit themselves to water baptism. However, this is not always the case. Since water baptism is just a mere act that can be performed by anyone with or without a change of heart, it's hard to tell if the person has actually committed their life to Christ.
Just as the baptism in Jesus is analogous to marriage, water baptism is analogous to the wedding ring. If someone wats to get married, it is without saying that they wear a wedding ring. Likewise, in the kingdom of God, if someone commits their life to Jesus, it is without saying that they are going to tell it to the world through baptism.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Jesus’ baptism into the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the will of God
In order to understand the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we need to understand the different ways the holy spirit interacts with a person during his/her life.
Holy Spirit with us (initial - general)
As we saw earlier, the work of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin. He is the one who first leads us to repentance and salvation.
Holy Spirit in us - Baptism in Jesus (made one by the Holy Spirit)
The Moment we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, we are made a new creation. In that moment the Holy Spirit comes and dwells in our hearts to lead us and guide us. This is what is spoken of in John 20.
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:22
The disciples received the Holy Spirit and then later were baptised in the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit upon us - baptism of the Holy Spirit
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11-12
Finally, we come to the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the one who baptises us in the Holy Spirit as in Matthew 3. Jesus left the earth for this reason. He clearly said this to His disciples.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This is something that has happened throughout the Bible. Even in the old testament, some judges and kings experience this. The Holy Spirit would come upon them to empower them to do a supernatural act that only God can do. This aspect of the Holy Spirit is specific to do the will of God. The empowering presence of the Holy Spirit enables a believer to do the will of God, which is often times impossible for mere humans. This is the kind of empowerment spoken of in Acts 1.
'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ' Acts 1:8
One final note: Although I have stated three different baptisms as individual events, they may happen all at once. The baptism in water is merely an act and done by the believer by conviction and convenience. However, the other two baptisms are spiritual and happen in divine timing and circumstance. All we have to do is desire to do the will of God and He will take care of the rest through the Holy Spirit.
Listen🎧 to the Truth talk Podcast on Baptism👇
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